Philippines, Norway fight online sexual abusers

MANILA, Philippines — Stepping up its campaign against online sexual abuse and exploitation of children or OSAEC, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has strengthened intelligence partnership with Norway.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. and Norwegian Deputy Police Commissioner Lars Erik Alfheim signed a memorandum of agreement on July 2 to boost intelligence sharing, identify offenders and probe cross-border OSAEC cases.

“This marks another milestone in the two countries’ longstanding partnership against transnational crime and the protection of vulnerable sectors,” Philippine Ambassador to Norway Enrico Fos said.

Nartatez said the partnership with the Norwegian police has formalized a vital intelligence pipeline to strike at the digital infrastructure of sexual predators, particularly those targeting minors.

“Crime knows no borders. So our response must be equally boundless,” he said.

After the agreement’s signing, Nartatez ordered the Women and Children Protection Center, Anti-Cybercrime Group and other police offices to intensify their operations against online sexual abusers.

He also ordered capability-building and specialized training for cybercrime investigators and digital forensic personnel by incorporating best practices from the Norwegian police.

The Norwegian police has been involved in law enforcement operations in the Philippines, which led to the rescue of children from sexual abuse and the arrest of perpetrators in Norway.